YouTube’s “app store” for games is expanding. On Tuesday, the company said its collection of free, lightweight games called “Playables” will soon be available in the YouTube app for everyone. These games will also appear on the YouTube Home page.
Before, only select users could test the games, and they became available to YouTube Premium subscribers last November.
YouTube’s Playables don’t make money from paid downloads or in-app purchases. So, they don’t directly compete with the app store model or break Apple’s rules. But they do rival the App Store’s free games, which make money from ads and attract casual gamers.
As YouTube focuses more on AI, people are wondering how this will affect its ad business, especially the sponsored links above search results. Free games on YouTube might become another place to show ads in the future. For now, Google hasn’t said it plans to make money from Playables.
The games could offer a break for YouTube users while they browse and watch videos. This might help keep users engaged with the YouTube app.
The Playables lineup features popular games like Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack.
It also includes Stack Bounce, which Google offered on its HTML minigames service, and GameSnacks, developed by Google’s Area 120. GameSnacks aimed to bring gaming to users in emerging markets, where Android is very popular.
Google says there are now over 75 minigames in the Playables catalog. Players can save their progress and track their best scores. Not everyone will see the Playables immediately, but the feature will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
YouTube isn’t the only tech company expanding into gaming. Netflix is growing its game catalog through acquisitions, licensing deals, and in-house development.
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, is using new EU regulations to bring its game store to Europe. Additionally, unexpected companies like LinkedIn are also entering the gaming space.
These actions show how companies use games to avoid App Store fees and increase their profits. Although Netflix’s games are on the App Store, you need a Netflix subscription, purchased through its website, to play them.
What we think?
YouTube’s new Playables feature will keep users on the app longer. I think people will enjoy quick games while browsing videos.
It might attract more casual gamers to YouTube. Google could add ads in the future to make money from these games.
Overall, it’s a smart move to engage users and compete with other gaming platforms. It will be interesting to see how this evolves.
